The Academy of American Poets established its University and College Poetry Prize program in 1955 to recognize the talent of undergraduate students. The contest came to Cal Poly in 1988. Since then, the annual contest has awarded 25 students with $100 first place prizes.

Each May a guest poet judges the competition. Any Cal Poly student can submit their poetry for no entry fee. Explore this website to learn how to participate, gain inspiration, and meet other poets who have won the contest in the past.